Shanghai Cycling Simulator

Date: Aug, 2024

Engine: Unity

Solo Project

Pedal through the heart of Shanghai and experience its vibrant culture!

Overview
Shanghai Cycling Simulator is a 3D simulation game that immerses players in the vibrant streets of Shanghai. Ride through bustling markets, navigate chaotic traffic, and explore iconic landmarks while experiencing the unique culture and atmosphere of one of the world's most dynamic cities. The game combines realistic cycling mechanics with cultural storytelling, offering players a one-of-a-kind urban exploration experience.

Platform & Engine
PC supported by Unity

Role
This is an individual project where I developed all aspects of the game. While most art assets—including 3D models, photos, and UI elements—are sourced from online resources, some assets were built by me or commissioned from other 3D artists.

Game Overview

Key Features

  • Realistic Cycling Experience: Enjoy an immersive cycling simulation with lifelike mechanics that replicate the challenges and joys of navigating an urban environment.

  • Self-Programmed Traffic Systems: Experience the unpredictability and chaos of Shanghai's bustling streets with a custom-designed traffic system.

  • Iconic Landmarks: Ride through detailed recreations of Shanghai's famous landmarks, capturing the city’s unique charm and cultural identity.

Target Audience

  • Fans of simulation games seeking realistic and engaging gameplay.

  • People interested in exploring Shanghai’s culture and urban life.

Inspirations

The inspiration for Shanghai Cycling Simulator comes from my cycling experiences in Jing’an District, a vibrant area blending concession-era culture with modern life. One day, while cycling alongside stylish young professionals, seasoned riders, and foreign tourists, I noticed a recycler pedaling a heavy tricycle that barely fit in the bike lane. I wondered what kind of Shanghai he sees from his tricycle. This inspired me to create a game that lets players explore Shanghai through different vehicles and perspectives, aiming to shed light on those overshadowed by the metropolis's prosperity.

2. Authentic City Environment


Explore the meticulously recreated streets and landmarks of Jing’an District. As you pass iconic areas, you can stop to read about their history and significance, offering a true-to-life glimpse of Shanghai’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.

3. Dynamic Traffic System


Encounter a vibrant traffic ecosystem with other riders, cars, traffic lights, and varied road types, creating a highly realistic and immersive cycling experience.

Core Mechanics

1. Realistic Cycling Simulation


Immerse yourself in an authentic cycling experience with intuitive controls: press SPACE to pedal and accelerate, hold SHIFT to brake, and use the mouse to steer. Each rider offers a unique dynamic, challenging players to navigate carefully, follow designated routes, and avoid collisions.

Character Design

The game features two distinct riders, each tailored to a unique gameplay experience based on their vehicles.

Cyclist


A cycling enthusiast who enjoys the freedom of gliding through the city. Equipped with a professional road bike, you can accelerate quickly and reach a high maximum speed. The bike’s agility allows you to weave smoothly through the bustling streets of Shanghai.

Recycler


Returning home with a tricycle loaded with recyclables, your journey is more challenging. The heavy tricycle has slower acceleration and a lower maximum speed. Its wide frame increases the risk of collisions, making precise navigation essential to complete your ride successfully.

The goal of the character design is to faithfully replicate the unique traits of different vehicles, providing an authentic experience that reflects the realities of two distinct groups of riders—without imposing my subjective viewpoints.

Level Design

Route Map

Original Design

Final View

Level 1 & Totorial: Cyclist Level


A relaxing ride through Shanghai's bustling streets, showcasing landmarks like temples, skyscrapers, shopping malls, and concession-era architecture. Serving as a tutorial, this level features a linear route with fewer obstacles, highlighting the city’s unique cultural charm.

Level 2: Recycler Level


Experience a journey from the heart of Jing’an to its outskirts, witnessing the transition from bustling commercial hubs to residential areas and aging neighborhoods. This level offers a more challenging experience with a heavier vehicle, sharper turns, and more obstacles, revealing a different, often overlooked side of Shanghai.

Technical Development

To enhance realism, I developed two core systems:

1.Custom Bike Controller

Unlike conventional bike controllers, which often fail to replicate the pedaling experience, I designed a system that closely mimics it. Players steer using the mouse, repeatedly press SPACE to simulate pedaling, and hold SHIFT to brake. The bike naturally slows down when not pedaling, thanks to a simulated friction effect, creating a more authentic and immersive cycling feel.

Art & Music

The art and music in the game are carefully selected to enhance the atmosphere and authenticity of Shanghai’s cityscape.

Art

The game adopts a low-poly art style, with streets designed to reflect real-world environments. Iconic features of Jing’an, such as old streets lined with French plane trees, are faithfully recreated, complete with falling leaf visual effects to evoke a relaxing, nostalgic atmosphere.

Music

The soundtrack features a curated selection of music from Shanghai-based singers and bands, offering players an auditory glimpse into the city’s vibrant modern cultural scene.

Credits & Licenses
  1. All external 3D models, photos, and UI elements used in this project are either purchased or sourced from open-sourced platforms.
  2. Music tracks are downloaded and utilized under a personal license.

2.Selective Traffic AI System

While traffic simulation isn’t the game’s main focus, it plays a crucial role in shaping the experience. To balance impact and efficiency, I developed a hybrid system combining AI-controlled elements (e.g., car speed, intersection behavior, avoiding collisions) with manual design (e.g., traffic density on specific roads, traffic light timing based on road size, and turn directions). This selective approach ensures the traffic system enhances gameplay without unnecessary complexity.

Level 1 Playlist

Level 2 Playlist

Future Work

1.Expanded Rider Diversity

The game aims to faithfully represent the diverse riders in the city. Future updates will introduce new levels and characters with distinct control systems, such as:

  • Food delivery rider on an electric scooter.

  • Office worker using a shared bike.

  • Harley rider.

  • Elderly Shanghainese riding retro bicycle.

2.Enhanced City Realism and Experience

  • Replace current 3D assets with custom low-poly models based on real Shanghai landmarks for greater authenticity.

  • Introduce a dynamic weather system to simulate challenging conditions like those faced by delivery workers in bad weather.

  • Add a simulated navigation app for realistic route guidance.

  • Implement time limits that vary by rider type, reflecting real-world scenarios.

  • Design a more complex road system with opportunities to take shortcuts, balanced by the risk of wrong-way riding or running red lights.

3.Game Optimization

  • Optimize 3D models and assets to improve performance and ensure smoother gameplay.

  • Refine the traffic system to make it more realistic and automated, enhancing immersion.